If you are now or hope to be a writer, this series should be a lesson to you - stipulate, in a will, that your family cannot milk your fans and run yoIf you are now or hope to be a writer, this series should be a lesson to you - stipulate, in a will, that your family cannot milk your fans and run your name into the ground.

Horrible. The first two Cristopher diaries promised a new take on FITA. Those books failed to honor the original series and definitely did not offer anything of interest. That section of the series ended on a cliffhanger, changing the entire being of an original character. So as mad as I was after the two books, I felt I had to see where book three would take Cory. But like the rest of the series, it's not about the original characters. It's about a horribly written teen girl dealing with the death of a loved one and wondering if she should sleep with a popular boy all while treating her family and friends horribly. Or books 1-2 of the Christopher diaries recycled using a different girl and different FITA character in the background totally irrelevant to the boring story at hand.

These books make me regret rebuying the original FITA series on kindle because her family doesn't deserve any more money after what they've let be published in her name....more

There seems to be a new trend of LGBT YA books that aren't necessarily targeted specifically at the LGBT community. I kind of love that, though some wThere seems to be a new trend of LGBT YA books that aren't necessarily targeted specifically at the LGBT community. I kind of love that, though some won't. This book is one of those books and it was just too freaking sweet.

The main character, Simon, hasn’t yet come out to anyone. At least he hasn’t come to anyone that he knows in person. Or maybe he has, there is a boy from his school that he’s been emailing. A boy who Simon is falling in love with despite only knowing him as “Blue”. There are clues but none are big enough to give Blue’s real identity away.

And then there’s Martin. Simon makes the mistake of not logging out of his email while using a school computer. Martin, using the same computer, ends up reading the emails to and from Blue. Since Martin has a crush on one of Simon’s best friends, he figures he’ll use his newfound knowledge to blackmail Simon into hooking them up.

There’s some mild family drama, friend drama, crushes, school drama, bullying, and blackmail. But mostly it’s just the day to day life of a boy trying to figure out how to navigate it all.

I am really torn on what to give this book as far as a star rating. It will really depend on your comfort level with crafts in general going in. SomeI am really torn on what to give this book as far as a star rating. It will really depend on your comfort level with crafts in general going in. Some products do involve sewing (you could probably get away with straight line basics but they do recommend things like french seams and offer no real instructions on any of those additional craft requirements).

The ribbon purse involves sewing in a zipper, which seems to cause nightmares in some. Probably more so when you’re sewing ribbon in half to knot into a purse, with easy but also vague instructions.

Most of the projects in the book are quite lovely, one or two did feel a bit like filler, especially being very basic starter projects and coming after more advanced projects.

I guess in the end, I’ll give it 3. If you’re already a crafter it’s probably more like 4 and if you’re a crafty newbie it’s probably more like 2 as some of the projects will overwhelm you. They do at least give you a good starting point with easy to understand knotting instructions.

* Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost in order to review it. I offered no guarantee of a positive review, though I only request books I think I'll like because why read a book you think you’ll hate?...more

The description of this book stated that no experience was necessary. I’d say that is definitely not true. I’ve tried crochet before and failed to reaThe description of this book stated that no experience was necessary. I’d say that is definitely not true. I’ve tried crochet before and failed to really get it. So I tried this book. It didn’t help me any though it did inspire me to go search the internet for videos again. And this time I did pick the basics up quickly, so yay for that. I still wouldn’t feel comfortable with some of these patterns yet. Some because they seem overwhelming (a single bedspread that requires breaking out the daisy loom as well as 32 balls of crochet cotton). Some because they seem too fine for a newbie. Some because they’re meant to mimic tatting, and I find needle tatting much faster and easier. So that’s the bad.

The good is that if you’re already comfortable with crochet of all sizes (specifically smaller hooks / motifs here), you’ll sure enjoy this book. Aside from the patterns it attempts to give us some history of crochet. Though the patterns are the main aspects of the book. From gloves, to edgings, to blankets — there’s a little of everything using primarily smaller motifs. Much of it is meant to mimic more Victorian styles with little to no attempts to modernize those classics.

I’d recommend the book for advanced crocheters or those comfortable working with smaller hooks. For newbies and those not comfortable working smaller, I’d skip it.

* Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost in order to review it. I offered no guarantee of a positive review, though I only request books I think I'll like because why read a book you think you’ll hate?...more

So i really really wasn't sure how to rate this book. I'm a fan of Lisa Mantchev's Theatre series and Ticker, but those are YA books while this is mosSo i really really wasn't sure how to rate this book. I'm a fan of Lisa Mantchev's Theatre series and Ticker, but those are YA books while this is most definitely not. I knew nothing of A.L. Purol. Basically I didn't know what to expect.

I ended up not liking this nearly as much as I liked the other books I'd read by the author but that doesn't mean I hated it or felt let down. For the genre, it's pretty good. Some parts did feel a little rough and I caught at least one super obvious typo (the word "back was instead "bacl"). But the overall story was the kind of thing one wants out of an urban fantasy story where paranormal beings like vampires mix with some good old fashioned good vs evil angels and reapers.

The story goes back and forth between Lourdes and Xaine's points of view. Lourdes is new to this crazy group of characters, maybe. She can't be sure as she's missing a huge chunk of her memory, the only clue she has led her to Los Angeles, so maybe she does belong among these crazy characters. Xaine, he's not so new to the world of the paranormal, being a vampire. Not just any vampire but also the biggest thing going in the music industry. When the two meet, instant fireworks are experienced. Complicating their situation are fame and Lourdes desire to find out just where her missing time went. And maybe the fact that someone is killing girls who look a lot like Lourdes. There might be a mysterious bad guy or two. And then there's Vegas...

I kepty word and cancelled my pre-order of this book after reading the prior book, then my library got it and I decided I'd gladly read it, just not bI kepty word and cancelled my pre-order of this book after reading the prior book, then my library got it and I decided I'd gladly read it, just not buy it. Instead of a real review, let's just see what text I found summed up this book + thoughts I had as I read...

Apparently when a teen girl uses words like "spontaneous", her friends will flip out over the big word.

"Every month you fall into a desperate love that lasts as long as your period"

Kristin's boyfriend stole enough of her hair to make a wig. She didn't find it creepy enough to be concerned.

Christopher sounds like a douchebag in this.

Nothing at all creepy about what Kane just said about his sister.

"Maybe it was better if we remained somewhat strangers to each other" said no teenage girl ever about her dream boy.

"It's like those racists who watch Oprah regularly"

Her dad's always asleep when she gets home AND always waits up for her.

"She had a svelte Nicole Kidman figure..."

Conversations in this series are soooooo awkward.

As someone who lost a parent very very young, stop with the people must always be thinking about my dead parent and feeling sorry for me. No, they're not thinking that every single time they see you for what ten or so years after your loss.

So Christopher always tries to keep Cathy calm yet wanted her to see how their mom was living it up?

He knows the box locks when closed but had seen no key. How does he know it locks?

Nothing of note happens all book, then in the epilogue VC Andrews Flowers in the Attic story is basically crumpled up and tossed in the garbage so the ghostwriter can do things his way. If I could give this zero stars I would....more

Being a .5 in a book series tends to mean 'read or don't, we're just tying you over with a quick taste of the story you love '. This is that, but it iBeing a .5 in a book series tends to mean 'read or don't, we're just tying you over with a quick taste of the story you love '. This is that, but it is also a little hint into Morpheus' mind that we don't tend to see otherwise. ...more

Charlotte is bullied. She takes it well considering even her own family members get their digs in. While I don’t think I have a great idea of how bigCharlotte is bullied. She takes it well considering even her own family members get their digs in. While I don’t think I have a great idea of how big she was, Charlotte was, at one point, described as a ten — size ten. It’s hard to imagine her as the target of bullying for her weight.

Charlotte does have two close friends — Lani and Miles. Miles has had a crush on Charlotte since the third grade, the same year that Charlotte swore off boys after having her heart broken for the first time.

As the trio starts high school, Charlotte starts to change — for a boy in her algebra class. A cute boy. A boy that the mean girl is interested in even though he gives Charlotte much more attention.

Lani realizes that Miles has a thing for Charlotte and starts a countdown clock, fearing that he’ll miss his chance if he doesn’t act soon. He tells Charlotte or Lani will.

And adorable story where the bullied learn how to create their own small victories. Kids start to learn how to deal with disappointments (including figuring out that their adult heroes aren’t always so great). Friends question whether or not it’s worth risking a friendship over a relationship.

* Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost in order to review it. I offered no guarantee of a positive review, though I only request books I think I'll like because why read a book you think you’ll hate?...more

I like the concept… I hated the book. It feels like a love triangle searching for a story.

America Singer (no surprise, she’s a musician) is of an ageI like the concept… I hated the book. It feels like a love triangle searching for a story.

America Singer (no surprise, she’s a musician) is of an age where she can sign up for the selection. The selection being where families pimp their daughters off in reality show style competition for the love of a prince. Pimping feels like the right word even for the girls dying to compete. Families get paid for the weeks their daughters are away. Win or lose the winning girl steps up the social ladder. One’s caste is very important — if your number is too low, good luck finding a man, unless he’s in your caste, no one wants a spouse of a lower rank, except maybe the prince. When a girl can raise her status by simply trying to impress the price, well, why not. Sure they’re told that they must do anything the prince wants, even if they don’t want to do it… ANYTHING. Small price to pay for not wondering where your next meal comes from. America (named for the country too disgraced to hold onto its name but not so disgraced that you wouldn’t want to name your daughter after it) didn’t really want to sign up for consideration. Her boyfriend (Aspen) and her mom nagged her into it.

Once at the castle the chosen girls meet Prince Maxon. Despite meeting the top of the top at parties and the like, Maxon has developed no social skills beyond table manners. Everyone is his dear. Everything everyone does and says is a shock to him. America, staying for the money her family will get makes a deal with Maxon to be his eyes and ears among the girls and he’ll let her stay as long as possible. Win win - her family will eat and Maxon will know who’s worthy of being his wife. He, obviously, falls for America. She doesn’t understand why. I mean she does everything right, wonders why everyone isn’t more like her yet finds herself to be a no one.

The worst part of the book is that nothing happens. Sure there are rebels who give the castle a good scare now and then. That’s it. The girls get their pictures taken and rebels (never seen) show up. The end. The prince hasn’t truly made a decision though he’s let America know his thoughts. Despite being madly in love for years, America and Aspen haven’t worked anything out in their relationship (all of their drama is stupid and forced). I think I’ll just read spoilers to see who wins. This is obviously a member of the every book must be a trilogy (and beyond) club. Which is pretty insulting given the first book isn’t even a complete story in any way shape or form. If you’re stretching your characters lives into 3 (or more) books, you better make me feel like I read some kind of complete story in each book. So disappointing. That’ll teach me to run off to immediately read a book that gets optioned for a movie. That and some mega fans gushing over it doesn’t mean the book is good. ...more

I've seen this referred to as a re-telling, I'm not sure I'd call this that. This book acknowledges the Carroll book and Alice Liddell both. An intereI've seen this referred to as a re-telling, I'm not sure I'd call this that. This book acknowledges the Carroll book and Alice Liddell both. An interesting concept where we find that Alice's female descendants seem to be cursed. Our female lead, Alyssa, has spent the majority of her life wondering if she'll catch the crazy that has her caused her mother to be institutionalized. She's doing all she can to ignore the signs that she is already there. She's also madly in lust with one of her BFFs, Jeb, the hot but taken boy next door. A little insanity ensues landing Alyssa and Jeb in Wonderland. There they encounter Morpheus. Lots of stuff then happens in Wonderland, I won't spoil it though I will say that it manages to honor the Carroll version of Wonderland while also twisting it into something new'ish.

Alrighty then. I debated long and hard about what to rate this book. In the end I adored it despite its problems.

There's plenty to hate about this book, most of which come from the "love interest" angle. Triangle, obviously. While both boys were more than williing to risk their lives for Alyssa, that was the least they could do. Both boys played games (and not just with Alyssa). Both were controlling. For most of the book, I rooted for "other". Then I realized that sooner or later I'd force myself to pick a team, it's that kind of book and series. The kind where I actually want more than one book and being a YA book with a romance, someone has to win her.

As for Alyssa, I think she was the right amount of broken, smart, attempting to be better. She wasn't perfect, but she tried.

Some teenage girls get labeled depressed for just run of the day teenage drama moodiness. Aysel is different. She’s actually gone through life changi Some teenage girls get labeled depressed for just run of the day teenage drama moodiness. Aysel is different. She’s actually gone through life changing events that have left her in a very deep depression. The kind that sends her to the internet to check out pro-suicide websites. When she finds someone near her town, she’s pleasantly surprised. She’s worried she’ll chicken out and wants a partner to encourage her. Upon meeting “FrozenRobot” aka Roman, she questions her decision. This kid is popular. And not just popular but jock kind of popular. Maybe it’s a set up. Somehow these jerks knew she’d be looking for a partner and set her up, revenge for her father did. But Roman. too, has gone through a life altering event. He’s serious. He too wants a partner. A partner to jump with as he’s already got his method, date, and location all mapped out.

As the days tick by and the countdown gets shorter and shorter, Aysel and Roman get to know each other. They bring out things in each other that had been buried deep down inside. They get to know each other. They discover they have chemistry. Roman doesn’t want a flake, he wants to know that what is happening won’t change Aysel’s mind. She assures him it won’t. But she can’t help but be changed somehow. Maybe she doesn’t want to die after all. Roman showed her there could be another way, but can she show him the same?

Most of the book is a bit dark and should be. The end feels somewhat different from the rest of the story. It’s too quick. Rushed. The characters are changing, but there’s no time for the transition to feel real. It feels like too easy an ending compared to the rest of the book that was so rough. Otherwise, I did like the book. it felt real right up to the ending then cheapened itself a little....more

Read it even though I never watched the show. Mysteries aren't usually my thing, but this was decent enough even without knowing the characters aheadRead it even though I never watched the show. Mysteries aren't usually my thing, but this was decent enough even without knowing the characters ahead of time....more

Almost gave it 4 stars because the lead character is adorable in a weird exaggerated southern charm perfectionist kind of way. Felt a little flimsy inAlmost gave it 4 stars because the lead character is adorable in a weird exaggerated southern charm perfectionist kind of way. Felt a little flimsy in spots and predictable in others but overall decent enough I'll read more of the series....more

So grab your character blender — put the girls from Heathers, Mean Girls, and PLL in and out comes Samantha, Cassie, and their less important sidekickSo grab your character blender — put the girls from Heathers, Mean Girls, and PLL in and out comes Samantha, Cassie, and their less important sidekicks.

The adults won’t take much blending at all - think Desperate Housewives meets any rich snobby political or high ranking business parents and you now have the main parental units.

As the book starts we meet Samantha. As we meet Samantha, she’s also meeting herself. Found wandering around lost and confused, she has no idea who she is, where she’s from, etc. That’s right amnesia. She’s got it. If I have any issue with this book it is this intro — apparently the local cops who found her had no idea she resembled the two missing girls that everyone in the area had been looking for. They had to call around to search for missing person reports. Seems the rich kids everyone was searching for, less than an hour away, would have their faces plastered everywhere, but whatever…

Samantha’s parents are found quickly. They take her home and start to fill her in on just who she is, or more accurately, who she was. Who she was, was not a good person. She was mean. Even Cassie was more a frenemy than a true friend. But Cassie is still missing and the new Samantha desperately wants her memory back in the hopes it’ll save the girl.

Facing her old friends and boyfriend isn’t a pleasant experience. Finding she now likes people who she treated horribly before and is repulsed by her old comrades is a shock to everyone. Her old pre-Cassie friends become important once again. Especially since Samantha needs a lot of support. There’s every reason to believe she was the last one to see Cassie alive, making her either a very important witness or suspect.

There were plenty of ways this could have gone but I like the way it did go . It wasn't as obvious as other options butI did guess it as an option earlier than I usually would. I so wanted it to go that way.

I have had mixed opinions on the author. This tips the scale back towards love....more

Based on other early reviews I seem to be in the minority. I actually like this book. Perhaps because Aladdin just isn’t a story I know well.

In thisBased on other early reviews I seem to be in the minority. I actually like this book. Perhaps because Aladdin just isn’t a story I know well.

In this version, Jafar is a power hungry psycho who tricks his way into being master of the genie. After getting way more power than he (or anyone) can handle, Jafar sets out to make the people love and/or fear him, depending on who he’s dealing with. The poor “Street rats” don’t like the changes but realistically know it’s not a good idea to take on someone who is learning how to manipulate the rules of magic. Then again, with the princess and Aladdin on their side, maybe they can take back their town.

It does start a little slow. If you can get past the first 10 or 20 %, it goes from slow to action packed rather suddenly. I am a little confused about who this is targeting. YA may find it a bit too young and younger children might find it a bit too dark. Still for the right person this is a fun quick read.

* Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost in order to review it. I offered no guarantee of a positive review, though I only request books I think I'll like because why read a book you think you’ll hate?...more

The story starts with William Shackley, a precocious teen who would rather play than take lessons and practice at being a proper gentleman. He’s not gThe story starts with William Shackley, a precocious teen who would rather play than take lessons and practice at being a proper gentleman. He’s not given much of a choice, however, as he finds himself out in the woods thrown to the wolves.

Alone and injured, he’s rescued and held prisoner both by a band of merry men. There William becomes Will Scarlet. Finding himself bonding with a few of the merry men, namely Much (a young boy who’s got a huge secret that we are in on, but the men are not) and Rob (the drunkard), Will attempts to make himself useful by offering up knowledge about the castle he’d gained as a resident. And off they go on a mission to find treasure. Will’s got ulterior motives. He’s going home to settle a score with the more feared man in all of the land. The man who ruined his happy home.

I must admit that when I got this book, I felt a little Robin Hood’ed out. Needless to say I got about 25% in and I just needed something new. It’s taken me quite a long time to get back to it. Either it really was my burnt out feeling or the story just really picks up at about 30% because it was much easier to get into this time around. From about 30% on, that’s the real story. The time when William becomes Will. The time where Will really sees his old life for what it was and his new one for what it can offer.

The first part of the story was too boring for me and I’d have given it 2 stars but the rest if much better, I averaged it at about 3.5 but bumped it up to a 4 but it does lean a little closer to 4 than 3.

* Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost in order to review it. I offered no guarantee of a positive review, though I only request books I think I'll like because why read a book you think you’ll hate?...more